British featherweight contender Arnold Allen is set to make his second octagon appearance of 2026, headlining a May event at the Meta APEX. The news comes after a humorous anecdote shared by Allen himself regarding how he received the fight offer.
The Call That Interrupted Dinner
In a recent interview, Allen described the moment he was offered the bout. “I was literally enjoying some fish and chips when my manager called,” Allen recounted. “He asked if I wanted to fight in nine weeks. My initial thought was to call him back the next morning after weighing myself, but I quickly realized I could make the weight. So, yeah, I’m buzzing to be back.”
Allen’s last outing was a closely contested decision loss to fan-favorite Jean Silva at UFC 324 in January. That fight marked his return after an 18-month absence due to injury, a period of inactivity that has regrettably punctuated his career. For 2026, “Almighty” is determined to maintain a more consistent fighting schedule.
Previewing His Next Opponent: Melquizael Costa
Currently ranked eighth in the featherweight division and with just one victory in his last four contests, Allen faces mounting pressure to defend his position against rising contenders. His next challenge comes in the form of the formidable Melquizael Costa.
Allen acknowledged Costa’s impressive momentum: “Mate, he’s surging; he’s going to be confident. He just knocked out a guy who’d never been finished. Dan [Ige] is a tough opponent, and Costa took him out with a sick back kick. So yeah, I’m excited for the challenge. Another southpaw, so it’s going to be a scrappy, a bit awkward fight, but it’s definitely going to be a fight.”
Melquizael Costa: A Rising Star
Brazil’s Melquizael Costa is stepping up to face his toughest opponent yet, propelled by a string of electrifying performances in the UFC. With a 7-2 record within the promotion, Costa boasts a six-fight win streak, including four finishes. He is one of the roster’s most active fighters, having competed five times since February 2025. Widely tipped as a future star, Costa not only delivers memorable fight highlights but also champions his skin condition, vitiligo, aiming to inspire children living with it.
As Arnold Allen and Melquizael Costa prepare to collide in the main event on May 16th, the question remains: who will emerge victorious in this pivotal featherweight clash?